Thank You for a Great Year!

As we conclude not only this year, but also this first decade of the new millennium, I want to officially thank all of our PT partners and regular attendees. 2009 has truly been a banner year for our congregation! With our theme being “God’s Spirit to Serve,” 2009 could not have ended with such success were it not for the giving of your Talent, Time, and Treasure in service to Pentecostal Tabernacle. In addition to all the things that we were already doing in 2008, here’s a list of some of the new things we were able to accomplish this year: 1. Held Two Easter Services (9 & 11 AM) at St. Paul AME Church for the very first time 2. Marriage ministry re-established (retreat, hiking, date night, workshops) 3. First C4L Play Production (An original: “What is Love? Do You Really Love Me?”) 4. Video/DVD ministry established 5. First church picnic in years at Castle Island (connecting people who attend PT) 6. First Soccer Nights’ Outreach (in partnership with four other Cambridge Churches) 7. Men’s work-out partnership with Windsor St. Clinic (Fitness Brothers) 8. PT now on Boston and Cambridge Cable Television (CCTV). 9. Change Agents Coffee House Outreach uses restaurant in Central Square for first time. 10. MOVE/REACH Programs expanded (AmeriCorps workers & Interns added) 11. Part-time YES (Youth Enrichment Services) position added to focus on the next generation 12. Harvard Divinity School Intern served on staff, making PT a training site for seminarians 13. First Annual “Running with the Big Dogs” Fitness Race (Focusing on “P” in S.P.I.C.E.) 14. Two Summer Gospel Outreach Concerts in Jill Brown Rhone Park (PT was the first to do so) 15. PT Choir established 16. International Students Dinner established 17. Overflow space established in lower auditorium for Sunday services (purchase of large-screen TV to televise service live) 18. Espresso Church (Third Service experiment) 19. Refurbished Pews for the Sanctuary 20. Renovation of Lower Auditorium There is no way this could all be accomplished, in addition to all of the other things we are doing, were it not for God’s grace and favor on our ministry. Again, I thank you for your support! But remember: we must give thanks and all of the credit to our...
read more

Proverbs 22 on November 22nd

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (Proverbs 22:3, NLT) As a congregation, we are continuing our reading program. On October 18th, I challenged our congregation to read one chapter in the book of Proverbs each day. Whatever the date is on that particular day, I encouraged each person to read that chapter in the book of Proverbs. Therefore, today we should be reading Proverbs 22. Again, our objective is to gain God’s wisdom as we approach a new decade. It is imperative that we be prudent people in the upcoming years. In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches His disciples a story involving ten virgins. Five were wise, but five were foolish. The only difference between these two sets of individuals was that one group was prepared when the door (of opportunity) opened, and one group was unprepared. One group took precautions, and the other group did not. As Bishop of our church and organization (United Pentecostal Council of the Assemblies of God), I am determined to make sure that we do not miss our opportunity when the Lord opens His wonderful doors for our good. However, that means we must be able to foresee (see what’s up ahead) what God is doing, and the doors He is opening. One of the best ways to prepare ourselves is to fast, that is, to go without food or particular kinds of food. Fasting opens our eyes to see what God is doing in ways that we would not see otherwise. For only the Holy Spirit (who is the oil in our lives) can prepare us for where God desires to take us. Beginning Monday, January 4th, Pentecostal Tabernacle will be going on a ten-day Daniel Fast (read Daniel Chapter 1). The purpose is to consecrate ourselves (set ourselves apart from our regular activities) to God so that we might foresee, take precautions, not proceed blindly, and thus avoid suffering consequences from which it may take years to recover. We will conclude our consecration together on Wednesday Evening, January 13th. On that day, the church will be open all day starting at 6:00 AM. I believe that in taking this precaution in the month of January, God is going to honor us in ways that will benefit not only us, but those whom He has chosen us to help during the upcoming...
read more

Proverbs 15 on November 15th

The LORD…loves those who pursue Godliness…Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. (Proverbs 15:9, 33, NLT) This weekend, the Harvard Graduate School Christian Fellowship (HGSCF) honored one of our church partners (members), Reverend Jeff Barneson, for 25 years of ministerial service on the campus of Harvard University. It’s actually 26 years of service, for Jeff came to Harvard as a Campus minister in 1983. To work 26 years at any one place is something that should be commended. However, to serve in ministry for 26 years in any one place, let alone a college campus like Harvard’s, is a feat that’s worth recognizing and celebrating. I’ve known Jeff for over 8 years, and as long as I have known him, he has lived a life of one who pursues Godliness. Jeff’s devotion, holiness of character, reverence for God, and passion for people to find Christ as their personal Savior has been exemplary, not only to Pentecostal Tabernacle but throughout the Body of Christ. So, today we salute Reverend Barneson, even though he is one who would certainly find this moment and this article uncomfortable. But that’s the problem with the Scriptures; they are always true. For, another way to quote Proverbs 15:33 is “…honor follows humility.” Thank God for the humility with which Jeff has served the Body of Christ in this part of God’s vineyard. And now, for this weekend, it’s Jeff’s moment to be honored. May God continue to bless Jeff in his service to...
read more

Proverbs 25 on October 25: Are You a Quarrelsome Wife?

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. (Proverbs 25:24, Today’s New International Version) This proverb seems pretty self-explanatory. However, before you jump to a conclusion that may offend you, please continue to read what God may be communicating to us. When I first read this, I thought this Scripture certainly did not apply to my life. First of all, I am not a wife. Secondly, my wife is not quarrelsome. But as I read this Scripture again, the Lord asked me “Are YOU a quarrelsome wife?” As the Bride of Jesus Christ (See Ephesians 5:24-28; Revelations 21:9), who currently lives in the Father’s House, are we quarrelsome? Are we: argumentative, bad-tempered, belligerent, cantankerous, combative, contentious, crabby, dissentious, fractious, carrying a chip on our shoulder, hotheaded, huffy, irritable, ornery, pugnacious, snappy, tempestuous, thin-skinned, or touchy? Are we unforgiving, disagreeable, unfriendly, unhappy, or impatient with Jesus and what He is doing with our lives? How does Jesus feel about sharing the same living quarters or space (your heart) with us? Is our attitude towards life in Christ so bad that He would rather live on the outside? That’s something we ought to think about. I know I am. NOTE: I encourage you to join our reading program. Read one chapter in the Book of Proverbs every day beginning today at Proverbs Chapter...
read more

Proverbs Chapter 18 on October 18th

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?…Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words… bring satisfaction …for the tongue can…nourish life. (Proverbs 18:14 & 20-21, KJV/NLT) It has been said that if a person repeats an action or a task 21 days in a row, it will become a habit. One of the habits we so desperately need in Pentecostal Tabernacle is the habit of reading God’s Word on a daily basis. And Joshua 1:8 informs us that reading God’s Word daily is tied to our success in this life. With this in mind, I want to challenge our entire congregation to join me on a Bible reading program. I’ve been reading one chapter a day from the book of Proverbs. Why? Because, first of all, it is a book full of wisdom, which is the most important thing a person can get (Proverbs 4:7). Secondly, the word “Proverbs” means “for or on behalf of words.” Words are so important that they can literally shape a person’s destiny and strengthen their life. The book of Proverbs can teach us how to use our words judiciously in order to produce the effect God desires in the lives of those whom receive of our words. Thus, I challenge you to join me in reading one chapter per day in the Book of Proverbs. With today’s date being October 18th, you can start today by reading Proverbs Chapter 18. I believe that by November 7th you will experience the benefits and satisfaction that can only come from God’s words of wisdom. I invite you to join me, and I can hardly wait to see the...
read more